Monday, 5 August 2013

Our hospitality cruise this year had a new feature as it
took place on a sell-out Sunday which is now a regular event with discounted tickets, coach tours and good
weather. Whilst it's good to see the ship
full, it is a problem for those of us used to a "turn up a go service".
As a result some branch members were unable to attend. Obviously we all must
learn to book in advance.

Nevertheless the event was well attended with our Chairman
Peter Reid hosting proceedings and Captain Graeme Gellatly offering us a warm
welcome to the ship. Tea / Coffee and cake in the lower bar followed by bridge and
engine room visits is a familiar though welcome routine for long-standing
members and a great way to introduce new members.

Today's sail was Glasgow to Lochranza outbound via Greenock - Largs - Rothesay and the Kyles of Bute. The resident dolphin off Ardlamont point put on a splendid display, not seen by those of us in still the lower bar. He/She? is well worth looking out for on cruises to Tarbert.

It was a fine afternoon for those of us taking time ashore at Lochranza offering great views of the ship on departure and arrival.

Whilst at Lochranza it was discovered that one of the ship's engineer's has his boat there.

It was also apparent that CalMac's car ferry Loch Tarbert cannot berth at Lochranze whilst Waverley is at the pier and so had to linger just off the pier for eight minutes whilst Waverley boarded her passengers.

So a great day was had by those present. Early booking is recommended for 2014's hospitality cruise.

The Society

The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) is Britain's longest established, largest and most successful steamship preservation group.A registered charity founded in 1959, we have over 3000 members and through our associated charitable companies we operate the only two working paddle steamers in Great Britain.Without the PSPS there would no longer be the opportunity to sail on a Paddle Steamer in Great Britain.

Our aimsi) to preserve paddle steamers in sailing conditionii) to educate the public in the historic significance of paddle steamers in the Nation's maritime and industrial heritageiii) to acquire, preserve and exhibit a collection of equipment and material associated with paddle steamers.

Our Ships

Flagship of our fleet is Waverley the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Built in 1947 Waverley was gifted to the Society for just £1. As well as operating on her native Clyde each summer she visits other coastal areas around the UK during the spring and autumn each year.

Kingswear Castle is Britain's only operational coal-fired paddle steamer. Built in 1924 to sail on the River Dart she was purchased by the Society in 1967. From 1985 until 2012 she sailed the Thames and Medway. In 2013 Kingswear Castle returned to the Dart where she now operates public sailings during the summer season.

The society is composed of five branches: Scottish, London & Home Counties, Bristol Channel, Wessex & Dart and North England - all of which help raise money to keep our paddle steamers sailing.

The Scottish Branch

The Scottish Branch was formed in 1969 by Douglas McGowan, now our Honorary Branch President. In November 1973 Douglas was invited to attend a meeting with CalMac which resulted in Paddle Steamer Waverley being gifted to the PSPS for £1! It was then on 8th August 1974 that the PSPS took ownership of the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world and her second career in preservation had begun. Since 1974 the Scottish Branch has been directly linked to supporting Waverley.

The Scottish Branch is proud of its achievements. We are an active and forward thinking branch with a thriving membership of over 800 - we are proud to be the branch which secured an operational future for Waverley. Our members are regularly involved with voluntary work which helps ensure Waverley continues to sail. During the summer sailing season we help raise funds through the Society's Grand Draw and our annual fundraising cruise on Waverley. The Branch meets in Glasgow each month during the non-sailing season (October - April) and we extend an invitation to join the Society and indeed join the Scottish Branch.